This is a duplication of a how-to post I made yesterday. The reason it is here is that the how-to's are moderated and all threads need approval. I really should have posted it in the open forum (like here) so a debate and discussion could happen on the gearbox oil.

As below, I used some Valvolene fully synth 75/90 gear oil which was way cheaper than the VW stuff. As below though, and having read a few other threads about this, am wondering what your experiences are on different types of oil. It seems that the general consenus is that the VW/Audi stuff is best.

Since yesterday, I've just come back from a 30 odd mile trek and my initial thoughts and observations are that the gearchange is ever so slightly better.

Please post up your thoughts and experiences.

Original post below (I did this as a how-to hoping to have a discussion on gear oil).......

Right then freaks.

I finally got round to doing this job.

Having done search online for information, I found some, including some on this site but it was all a bit sketchy so I thought I do a how-to.

Anyway,

It is a easy job, simply involving the removal of the drain plug on the bottom of the gearbox, letting it drain and then filling it back up again.

Sounds easy and it is.

However you will need VW special tool number 3357 !!!!!

How annoying, VW wouldn't sell me one (bless em) so having done a bit of research there are alternatives available, these are either;

Sealy XZN Spline Key M16 x 1/2" sq drive, part number SX107

or

Draper, part number 63476

I got a Draper one from my good old local motor factors for about £6.

You need this special tool and the M16 12 point spline bit has a security peg on it which prevents the use of a normal M16 bit.

Anyway, a few piccies, piccy below shows spline bit.

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Piccy below shows end of spline bit

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Piccy below shows location of filler. Note this is with the coolant heaer tank moved out of the way. The filler IS there, right next to the driveshaft.

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Piccy below, a closeup of the filler.

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Piccy below shows the filler plug removed

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I didn't take a picture of the drain plug, but it is exactly the same and is located in the centre of the bottom of the gearbox and cannot really be missed once you have taken the undershields off.

Now the subject of some debate and I'd really appreciate some input from you lot on this. That subject is that of the OIL.

VW (bless em) wanted a touch over £15 per litre !!!!

At the same good old motorfactors, I chose Valvolene fully synth 75/90 gear which was about half the price. Only went for a quick test drive tonight after finishing (it was -3c ) but things seem to be a lot smoother.

I know Crasher recommends Redline oil and some have used Fuchs. Some also say that the VW oil has been the only stuff they'd use due to other stuff not performing as well.

I'll update this when I have a few more miles to test but I can't help but think that maybe I should have gone for the VW oil.

Any thoughts or views most welcome.